2010 Art Series Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
100% Gingin clone. 15% underwent malolactic conversion. Aged for 10 months in French oak (100% new). Still so youthful! Yet there is magic unfolding – especially on the finish, where there is a long, oatmeal, oak and saline complexity that emerges from the deep, ripe fruit. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Block 20 is the backbone, plus Block 22, north-facing. Made by Paul Atwood. No malo. Rich, creamy with putty/mineral notes. Nicely integrated and with a definite spicy oak note – not as complex as the 2018. Pear flavours. See 13 October tasting note too. (JR)
Current winemaker Tim Lovett’s first year at Leeuwin. Selected yeast. 100% fermentation in new barriques and then aged for 10 months. Stirring. No malo. Quite an antique! Rich, layered and incontrovertibly Australian nose. Pineapple macerated in lemon juice impression. Broad, complex palate entry with a strong impression of ripeness and yet still remarkably youthful! Tenser than the 2013. But a little simpler on the palate. (JR)
This time around, I found a not-entirely-attractive hint of grilled sweet corn on the nose of the 2010 Art Series Chardonnay. It's not something I typically enjoy in wine, so it was a relief to find that it didn't persist on the palate, which is more peaches and cashews. Full-bodied, mouthwatering and long, it's still an impressive Chardonnay.
About the producer
Leeuwin Estate is one of Australia’s leading wine producers. Based close to Cape Leeuwin, in the southern reaches of Margaret River, Western Australia, this remote estate is best known for its Art Series wines.